Colleagues,
The fundamental proposition of strategic leadership is this: Leaders help people grow. Those people are then better able to fulfill the organization’s purpose. I help people become better leaders. Those leaders go out and grow their people, and organizations are better able to fulfill their purposes. Principals help teachers become better at teaching. Those teachers help kids become better people. Vice Presidents of sales help salespeople become better at sales. Those salespeople help their customers get what they want. Nurse administrators help nurses become better at caring for people. Those nurses help people heal better and faster. What is your organization’s purpose? Who do you help to become better? What do those people go out and do to achieve the purpose? Cheers! Frederick
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Colleagues, It feels like time for a picture. I shared this one on some of my social media posts last week. Right now, pause, close your eyes and reflect on the photo for 10 seconds. What did you think about? I’m anticipating that the photo resonated with you. It did with me. Leadership can be lonely. Sometimes we can feel trapped, or unable to see beyond our current condition.
So, what do we do about that? Maybe connection is a neglected aspect of self-care. I don’t have the answers for this one. Maybe you could help me. How do you break down isolation? How do you get the box off your head? Where do you find community? I’d love to hear your answers and you can email me by either clicking here or replying to this email. Cheers! Frederick Photo by Ryanniel Masucol from Pexels Colleagues,
Does this whole “strategic leadership” thing make sense to you? It does to me. Strategic leadership is not a silver bullet but is a way of thinking and looking at leadership that helps us translate our values and priorities into daily actions. That seems worthwhile to me. Because I believe in the concept, I want to share it. Viewed through the lens of an educator, that means reaching as many people as possible, sharing the ideas, and providing opportunities for people to apply and reflect on those ideas. My hang up has been on the reaching part. The idea of growing an audience moved me from an education perspective to a marketing perspective. That hasn’t felt right, because I am an educator, not a marketer. On Friday morning, something changed. I realized that I needed to stop marketing and just keep sharing. I think the difference is in the expectation. Don’t expect to get something back, just share. How does that apply to you? I just described an essential aspect of leadership! “Don’t expect to get something back, just share.” So, what will you share today, and with whom? Cheers! Frederick Colleagues,
Labor Day! What a great day to get in the last summer cookout or picnic, to relax a bit, and to recharge. What? You are working? Okay, maybe you are and maybe you aren’t. Either way, let’s revisit the three epiphanies:
Being driven by the urgent, by what’s in front of you, and neglecting strategic priorities is a choice! Being strategic means being intentional about what you choose to do. The first question strategic leaders ask: “Is this important?” Enjoy your cup of coffee and focus on something important today – like taking care of yourself and enjoying relationships. Cheers! Frederick Colleagues,
“Part of a role of a principal… is to be looking for opportunities to grow your people. It can’t rest with you. The more they grow, the better you are.” Those are the words of Holly Miller, the new principal of Sandhills Primary School in Swansea, South Carolina. Pretty simple, isn’t it? Want to be a better leader? Develop your people. Want better results? Develop your people. Strategic leaders ask four questions every day. The fourth, and most important, is “who will I grow today?” So, for Friday’s reflection:
Holly is the guest on the next episode of The Assistant Principal Podcast which drops next Thursday afternoon, so you will be able to learn more from her. Cheers! Frederick |
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